The Cherokee Nation hopes to curb child hunger this summer by enrolling thousands of families in a nutrition card program.
Though the state decided earlier this year to forgo roughly $48 million in federal funding for the program, they’re hopeful it will reach even more kids than before.
The Cherokee Nation says about 53,000 people are currently enrolled in the program, up from just 13,000 at the same time last year.
The Cherokee Nation has offered the program for five years and it is open to both Native and non-Native families within its boundaries, but Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. said the program is even more important this year.
“Let’s be clear: the state of Oklahoma has turned a blind eye to hungry children every summer, but the Cherokee Nation and other tribes have not. That’s the only reason why all eligible low-income children, Native or not, receive some form of fairly modest summer food allowance,” Hoskin Jr. said.
Gov. Kevin Stitt’s office said the state already provides more than $2 billion in hunger assistance for families and he doesn’t believe another federal program will solve Oklahoma’s hunger problem.
The program, run by the Cherokee Nation, is for families with children who qualify for free or reduced meals year-round. They receive $120 per child to use at the grocery store to buy fresh, healthy foods.
“We think we can exceed 150,000 this year and set a record. That’s a good thing because there’s a lot of need out there.”
Several tribes in Oklahoma are working together to reach that number, but child hunger activist Joe Dorman said their work is important, but some Oklahomans are still being left behind.
“What I’m concerned about are areas that don’t have tribal ties,” Dorman said.
Dorman said the state turned down the opportunity to spend roughly $48 million to provide meals to children this summer, but could change its decision next year.
“As 2024 comes to a close, it is our sincere hope that policymakers in the Legislature will look at this issue, consider the solutions that are being offered and agree to accept the funding to ensure that hungry children in Oklahoma are fed,” he said.
Dorman said if you’re wondering how you can help, consider donating to one of several food programs around the state, including the Eastern Oklahoma Food Bank, which provides meals to thousands of children and families throughout the year.
